NLC Warns of Fresh Health Sector Crisis Over Unresolved JOHESU Salary Dispute

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has warned the Federal Government that the unresolved salary dispute involving the Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU, could trigger another industrial crisis in Nigeria’s health sector.

The warning followed renewed concerns over delays in resolving the unions’ demands, particularly the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, CONHESS.

In a letter dated August 6, 2026, and signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, the labour centre urged the Minister of Labour and Employment to intervene urgently and facilitate the resumption of negotiations with the affected health unions.

The development followed concerns raised by JOHESU in a July 31 communication over what it described as delays in addressing its outstanding demands.

JOHESU has been demanding the adjustment of CONHESS and the implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government on workers’ salaries and welfare.

According to the NLC, several memoranda of understanding, collective bargaining agreements and other commitments reached between the government and health-sector unions over the years have failed to fully resolve the grievances of JOHESU members.

The labour centre expressed concern that continued delays could further worsen relations between the government and health workers and ultimately disrupt healthcare delivery across the country.

Ajaero urged the Minister of Labour and Employment to ensure that collective bargaining negotiations resume immediately and to engage the Presidential Committee on Salaries on the outstanding issues.

The dispute dates back several years, with JOHESU embarking on an indefinite nationwide strike in November 2025 over the implementation of the adjusted CONHESS and other longstanding welfare concerns.

The strike was suspended in February 2026 after an agreement was reached to allow further steps towards resolving the issues. However, the latest warning by the NLC indicates that significant disagreements remain unresolved.

A major point of contention is the demand by non-doctor health professionals for an adjustment to CONHESS similar to reviews implemented under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure for doctors.

JOHESU has maintained that its demand has remained outstanding for years, while a 2021 technical committee report on the salary adjustment is yet to be fully implemented.

The Federal Government has previously said it is committed to resolving the dispute, explaining that a job evaluation exercise by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission would help determine the appropriate placement of health professionals and provide a basis for discussions on salary adjustments.

The NLC has now called for immediate action to prevent the disagreement from escalating into another strike.

The congress also said it would support JOHESU should the union be compelled to take further industrial action over the unresolved issues.